Select Events Deserve a Trip to SML

           

A variety of fun-filled events take place at Smith Mountain Lake throughout the year. Below is a collection of some of the area’s most popular happenings scheduled for 2010.

 

April

 

SML Business Expo

April 30

Hosted by the Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce, this annual event showcases nearly 150 SML-area businesses. Free and open to the public, those attending the Expo can also register for door prizes, which are donated by area businesses and awarded throughout the day. A food tent will be set up with hot dogs, chips and drinks available for purchase. Open from noon to 6 p.m. at Downtown Moneta. 540.721.1203, 800.676.8203, visitsmithmountainlake.com

 

May

 

Smith Mountain Lake Triathlon

May 1

The 13th Annual SML Triathlon will take place at 9 a.m. at the Smith Mountain Lake State Park. Organized by Virginia Amateur Sports, the event includes a 750-meter swim, 20K bike race and 5K run. An estimated 550 athletes will participate in the event, which is part of the Virginia Triathlon Series. 540.343.0987, commonwealthgames.org

 

Tom Maynard Memorial Poker Run

May 22

An annual charity event held on Smith Mountain Lake each spring, the Poker Run is not a race, but a game of chance featuring some of the most awe-inspiring boats around. Starting from Mariners Landing, participants boat to designated spots around the lake and collect playing cards. At the end of the day, the person with the best hand wins. There also are prizes awarded in various other categories, including worst hand, best-appearing boat and best-appearing crew. Sponsored by the Smith Mountain Lake Boating Association. 540.420.6824, smlba.com

 

June

 

SML Antique & Classic Boat Society Spring Show

June 26

Members of the local chapter of the Antique & Classic Boat Society will display their vessels and be available to talk about them from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Parrot Cove Boat Rentals at Bridgewater Plaza. These boats represent an era when life was simpler and craftsmanship and pride in work was an everyday commitment. Free. 540.297.9202, woodenboats.net

 

July

Fourth of July Celebration

July 3

The holiday tradition continues at Parkway Marina with food vendors, live music and displays of fire, rescue and military equipment. Gates open at 2 p.m. Fireworks start around 9:30 p.m. Admission is free, but the event is a fund-raiser for the Saunders Volunteer Fire Company and donations will be accepted. $10 parking fee. No pets. If coming by boat, remember this is a no-wake event. View a video of the 2008 show at smlfireworks.org. Rain date is July 4. 540.297.4412, parkwaymarina.com

 

September

 

SML Antique & Classic Boat Show and Festival

Sept. 18

Classic and antique boating enthusiasts will gather the 20^th Annual Antique & Classic Show and Festival, which will take place at Mariners Landing Resort & Conference Center. Spectators come out to enjoy the more than 50 beautiful vessels from up and down the East Coast on display. Vendors will also participate with crafts and nautical items, food and drink, and activities for kids. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free, but donations will be accepted for this year’s featured charity. 540.297.9202, woodenboats.net

 

Smith Mountain Lake Wine Festival

Sept. 25-26

Enjoy award-winning wines from dozens of Virginia wineries, entertainment by popular bands and more than 85 quality food and craft vendors, all in a beautiful country setting. The event takes place Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at LakeWatch Plantation. Advance tickets for tasters and non-tasters available online at visitsmithmountainlake.com. 540.721.1203

 

Big Lick Triathlon

Sept. 25

Swim, bike and run through Smith Mountain Lake State Park. Presented by the Kirk Family YMCA of Roanoke Valley. 9 a.m. Fees and registration form at setupevents.com.

 

 

October

 

Smith Mountain Lake Charity Home Tour

Oct. 1-2

Visit multiple elegant Smith Mountain Lake homes with unique architectural designs and creative interior decorating. Now in its 19^th year, the Home Tour raises funds for numerous area charities. Come by car or boat. 540.297.TOUR, smlcharityhometour.com

 

November

 

Smith Mountain Lake Fall Chili and Craft Festival
Nov. 6

Enjoy a full day of fun with music, crafts and a competitive chili cook-off. Now in its eighth year, the festival takes place at Bridgewater Plaza, a great lakeside location with additional shopping and dining options. Awards are presented for Best Chili, People's Choice and Showmanship. Presented by the SML Regional Chamber of Commerce. 540.721.1203, 800.676.8203, visitsmithmountainlake.com

Virginia Dare Flotilla for Toys

Nov. 27

An annual boat parade of lights on Smith Mountain Lake, the Flotilla facilitates the collection of donated toys for Lake Christian Ministries. The charity distributes the toys to children of need in Bedford and Franklin counties. A spectacular sight, the parade features boats decked out in their holiday finest. The flotilla starts at 7 p.m. the Virginia Dare Marina, cruises up the Bedford side of the lake to Bridgewater Plaza and then back down the Franklin County side. 540.297.7100, vadarecruises.com